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Field's Piano in Orange County is having a "total liquidation" sale. They are selling everything to become a Steinway Gallery.

Not sure, does that means Steinway will be buying them out? They are getting rid of Kawai, Kohler and Campbell, Young Chang and Weber. Their Steinway stock is reduced in price, too. Significantly, if I'm reading the Piano Buyer correctly.

This must be good news for Kim's in Garden Grove. Seems like a mistake for Field's to dump Kawai and YC, etc. More choices for their customers should be a good thing, no?

It might be good for Steinway, but not sure why Field's would want to restrict buying options for their customers.

[quote=Gatsbee13] Just checked ther website.. No info on "liquidation" sale. Where did u get your news?

Steinway apparently feels that their "family of instruments", Steinway, Boston and Essex should be able to satisfy the store's market. They frown on dealerships carrying any brands that compete with the "family". This doesn't mean that it is forbidden.

Wasn't it Fields Piano in West L.A. (pico blvd.) that was going out of business for so long that some govt. agency got involved?

Given what I know of Pierre, I don't think he wants most of those brands. His business bread and butter is north of Wilshire. When I asked about Hailun he actually said (with a smile) "Does it say Pierre's Pianos on the building? No, it says Pierre's Fine Pianos. I don't want any more asian pianos than I already have."

Kurt

Edited by KurtZ (09/07/1209:26 PM)Edit Reason: minor spelling

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One who does what the Friend wants donewill never need a friend.

After having a conversation with somebody there in Southern California; in such a competitive market it makes sense for Fields to commit to Steinway only.

Steinway dealers have the will of subjecting to a strict business etiquette or business model in order to avoid jeopardizing the dealership with Steinway. Consequently dealers are capable of maintaining very healthy margins. IMO Steinway is the only manufacturer that can keep such a tight leash on the dealers (something to be envious of).

Sure, but Plowboy bought his piano from this particular dealer so I doubt he rejoices in their closing. Besides, they're just liquidating to make room for Steinway.

Yes.

I was just curious if any of our industry experts might have an insight as to the situation. It's a big change, Field's has been the face of Steinway in SoCal for some time now. They seem to have been weathering the recession quite well. Several years ago the manager there told me it was because they owned their inventory.

They are a good operation, IMO.

Of course, getting a cranky response from pianoloverus is just a bonus.:-)

A lot of colleges in our area Gary. Retailers who go all Steinway are in a better position to tap into the All Steinway Schools program. USC's commitment to the program alone is 2.9 mil for pianos and 600k for program maintenance.

I don't know the exact product mix, but I know there are no Kawai's or Young Chang's in that order. Institutional sales don't necessarily mirror a sour consumer economy.

Fields stumbled a bit last year, but they were still a 5m store. Not many can say that. As was mentioned, becoming a Steinway Gallery does not mean selling out to the factory and, as was also mentioned, may mean a consolidation that is more profittable than being merely a home of steinway. One thing you'll seldom see is a new Steinway piano liquidation.

This post started in June. It's now almost November. I recall hearing many liquidation sales from Field's piano over the years. Wonder if this is a real liquidation or just another sale gimmick to get people to stop by. I came into the store and the price is just about the same as Kim's on the Kawaii. RX1 Blak in walnut is almost 17K and RX2 Blak walnut is almost 19K. Is this just about the standard every day price that these pianos are selling for anyway? I didn't get a sense that the dealer are willing to negotiate much lower.